June 20, Toronto:The CNIB Library awarded the president of one of Canada’s leading technology companies with the Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Award today, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to creating access to information for Canadians who are blind.

“What a privilege to receive this honor,” said Clegg. “I am truly humbled to receive an award that pays tribute to such an accomplished individual as Dr. Forman. Personally, I have learned more from my experience with the CNIB than any other in my career. I have been inspired by those whom I have met in the blind community and so grateful for this opportunity.”

Clegg received the award at an evening reception hosted by The CNIB Library during the Canadian Library Association/American Library Association conference. About 120 members of the library community were on-hand for the event, held at the University of Toronto’s Hart House.

Less than 5% of information in Canada ever makes it into formats such as braille or audio, and more than 600,000 blind or visually impaired Canadians depend on what little there is. Since 2001, Clegg has led the creation of the CNIB’s new digital library, which will provide critical access to information.

“Mr. Clegg’s personal commitment and vigorous participation in the creation of the digital library for people who are blind or visually impaired are truly laudable,” said Margaret McGrory, executive director of the CNIB Library. “We could not have asked for a better chair.”

As the volunteer chair of the CNIB Library’s $33 million digital library campaign, Clegg has traveled across the country, gathering the support of business and community leaders. He has brought together high-tech partners to build a complex and original infrastructure and to provide content such as newspapers and magazines. As president of Microsoft Canada, he has provided $2.5-million in funding and expertise, in particular for the CNIB’s Children’s Discovery Portal, an Internet library site being developed for blind and visually impaired children. The CNIB’s digital library is the first of its kind, and many libraries around the world are watching the project with great interest.

Established in 1996 by the CNIB Library board of directors, the Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Award recognizes outstanding leadership by individuals or organizations in the advancement of library and information services for Canadians who are blind or visually impaired. Past winners include Calgary Public Library and Industry Canada.